This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sixteen Brides
Bethany House (April 2010)
by
Stephanie Grace Whitson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls “playing with imaginary friends” (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four home schooled children Nebraska history.She was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie’s fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year.
Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends.
Her passionate interests in pioneer women’s history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In 1872, sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising “prime homesteads” in a “booming community.”Unbeknownst to them, the speculator’s true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledgling community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival! Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them.
These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances–especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Sixteen Brides, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Sixteen Brides is an exceptional account of a group of Civil War widows who were persuaded to join The Emigration Society by promises of their own homesteads in Nebraska. Upon arrival at their destination, the women learned that Mr. Drake, the organizer of their expedition, had taken payment from waiting bachelors and promised them wives. This is where the story gets interesting. Several of the widows decide to take the easy way out and accept the security of a husband. The rest of the women refuse to agree and are determined to follow their original plans. From this point on the book is primarily focused on these remaining widows and several other specific characters.
While detailing many of the obstacles and difficulties faced by the widows, Sixteen Brides relates the determination, courage and strength of character that enabled them to survive and thrive in their new environment. Sprinkled with drama, action, humor, romance, and spiritual truth, the story captured my interest from beginning to end. One resounding message delivered by Sixteen Brides is that we shouldn’t judge a person by first impressions or outward appearance.
